Hand Loading Help Please

[Hugger-4641]

A lot is said about the Eldx, but I'll say this:
Ive been using them for over a decade now in 300wm , 30-06, .308, and 6.5cm. I've taken many deer with them from 0 to 500yds, mostly with the 300wm.
In the early days they had some problems with keeping the jackets intact at high velocity(close range) impacts, but they figured that out many years ago.
There are better long range bullets, there are better close range bullets, there is no bullet that does both as well as the Eldx.
Bonded bullets are great for terminal performance, but the mfg process is not controlled as easily as the cup/core process, so they just can't compete in accuracy. Same with partitions. Hornady has figured out how to get accuracy and terminal perfornance close and far.
Copper mono bullets are just as accurate, but long range terminal performance isn't there yet.

Target shooting is one thing, but if I want one bullet that I know will work on animal from 0 to 800yds, its gonna be the Eldx.

 

[GUNNNN]

It was so much simpler in the '60's when I started….a new Lee Loader for $9.99, a small plastic hammer from the local Western Auto, a box of primers, a pound of "whatever" powder listed on the Lee Loadsheet supplied with the dipper for your chosen bullet!

Fast forward….. thousands of $'s of equipment, hours spent in front of a big screen "smart tv", and of course the forums talking to people that have "been there - done that"!

"**** I'm gett'n old"! memtb

Oh and……in the late '60's/early '70's, pretty happy with 2" to 3" goups @ 100 shooting with iron sights on my Win. Model 88 in .308 Win.

Herters was the best back in the 60's powder,guns,primers and bullets all in one catalog. I've still got my 1968 mail order 222mag

 

[bomberodevil]

Hmmm.

I can't send you a PM yet. I would send you my cell #, and feel free to ask me any and all questions you want. But I don't want to post it online publicly for all to see.

Go post in a bunch of threads to get your count up, then send me a PM when you are able to. More than willing to help out with phone calls, texts, photos, etc. for any questions you might have...but beware...it is going to cost you a lot of money! Not for me...but for new toys!

Come in Lance, post up your phone number, address, and maybe credit card numbers. What the worst that can happen?

OP, when you get your count up and are able to communicate with Lance, you're tapping into one of the best technicians on this site. Good luck in the journey.

 

[bomberodevil]

Thank you everyone for the help. Now I'm even second guessing which bullet to use. Seems like the ELD-X is a decent fit but a lot of people are pushing monolithic bullets and discouraging the ELDX. Not sure how I feel using copper/mono 609-900 yards on an Elk/mule deer. I understand exit wound but impact damage I figured would be best with ELD-X. Hunters opinions for best bullet for me to start with hand loading 7PRC for those ranges for hunting? I know some are fussy compared to others and may be harder for a newbie like me to develop. Obviously this is a complicated question but I feel like if I'm going to start hand loading I have to decide on this at least.

Don't be too afraid of cup and core bullets for game. The monos have their place, and definitely their following. But a lot of experienced hand loaders and hunters feel very comfortable with ELDX, NBT, ELDM, and other C&C bullets for both accuracy and terminal performance. Once you have some experience, you can look at the other options.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Sorry, very late to the party.
Have been unwell.
Anyway, I had no such thing as the interweb back in 1988 when I started handloading, but, I had a mentor from my deer stalking club show me the ropes on his equipment before I bought my own, this was invaluable to me and put me in the position that I could comfortably proceed without jumping in blind.
If Lance is offering to mentor you, jump at it, he is very knowledgeable, can teach you things above and beyond the basics and is a helpful guy.
I would offer also, but, I am waiting on tomorrow to find out if I am having open heart surgery or not, may be out for a while, who knows.

Cheers.

 

[Ryeguy]

Sorry, very late to the party.
Have been unwell.
Anyway, I had no such thing as the interweb back in 1988 when I started handloading, but, I had a mentor from my deer stalking club show me the ropes on his equipment before I bought my own, this was invaluable to me and put me in the position that I could comfortably proceed without jumping in blind.
If Lance is offering to mentor you, jump at it, he is very knowledgeable, can teach you things above and beyond the basics and is a helpful guy.
I would offer also, but, I am waiting on tomorrow to find out if I am having open heart surgery or not, may be out for a while, who knows.

Cheers.

Sorry to hear that. Hope everything goes well. I don't know you, but have been here long enough to know your a wealth of knowledge and very helpful to others. Prayers

To the OP.. As anyone mentioned Erik Cortina and his YouTube page? He has lots of good info and has a very quick and easy way to find a load and has the receipts to show results (AKA world Fclass trophy's..) He also has a members forum for $15 a month and some knowledgeable people there.

 

[Frog4aday]

Sorry, very late to the party.
Have been unwell.
<SNIPPED STUFF[
I would offer also, but, I am waiting on tomorrow to find out if I am having open heart surgery or not, may be out for a while, who knows.
Cheers.

@MagnumManiac
Praying for you to get better. You are always there for people here that need help; hoping the Lord is there for you.

OP - once you and Lance can communicate you will have a very wise and helpful resource to get you on the right reloading path. There are the basics, to get going, then the nuances once you are ready for more. Don't get overwhelmed by the nuances as you get started. Focus on basics. Again, Lance will guide you on this. Good luck! Reloading is fun.

 

[memtb]

Magnum, sorry to hear that you've been a bit "under the weather"! Hopefully you'll be good as new soon!

Also, you're a wealth of welcome information. Always glad to see your input! memtb

 

[orange1948]

Magnum,
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Sending prayers for your healing.

OP; excellent responses and resource here. You're starting on the right path. Access to top a top quality mentor is priceless.

 

[GUNNNN]

Sorry, very late to the party.
Have been unwell.
Anyway, I had no such thing as the interweb back in 1988 when I started handloading, but, I had a mentor from my deer stalking club show me the ropes on his equipment before I bought my own, this was invaluable to me and put me in the position that I could comfortably proceed without jumping in blind.
If Lance is offering to mentor you, jump at it, he is very knowledgeable, can teach you things above and beyond the basics and is a helpful guy.
I would offer also, but, I am waiting on tomorrow to find out if I am having open heart surgery or not, may be out for a while, who knows.

Cheers.

Praying for you Brother that all of God's blessings are with you through this difficult time in Jesus Christ Holy name Amen

 

[MagnumManiac]

Praying for you Brother that all of God's blessings are with you through this difficult time in Jesus Christ Holy name Amen

Thank you, it's appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Thank you to you all for the well wishes.
It is appreciated and I am grateful that you guys give a darn about me.

Regards and keep well all.

Cheers.

 

[MarkInPA]

Thank you to you all for the well wishes.
It is appreciated and I am grateful that you guys give a darn about me.

Regards and keep well all.

Cheers.

Magnum, get better soon. I'll be looking for your return. I always enjoy and welcome your input.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Magnum, get better soon. I'll be looking for your return. I always enjoy and welcome your input.

Thanks, I'm not far away, just will be a little less frequent.

Cheers.